Scaffolds

Structural Properties

Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS)

  1. Emulsification/freeze drying
    • PLGA dissolved in methylene chloride
    • Distilled water added to form an emulsion
    • Polymer/water mixture is cast into a mold
    • Quenched by placing in liquid nitrogen
    • Freeze dried at -55C - dispersed water and solvents are removed
  2. Liquid-liquid phase separation
    • Creates polymer rich and polymer poor regions
    • Polymer poor phase removed to leave a highly porous polymer network
    • Dissolve polymer in solvent with low melting point and easy to sublime
    • Cool solution to below melting point of solvent
    • Vacuum dry to ensure complete sublimation

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